Hidden Gloucestershire History : Hatherley Manor Opens Its Doors to the Past

Gloucestershire is a county of legends, from Roman Gloucester to the rolling Cotswolds. Nestled just outside the city, Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa is a living link to that past, offering locals and visitors a rare chance to walk through centuries of history – all without leaving modern comfort behind.

The manor’s story begins in 1086 with Thane Edmar and continues through some of England’s most fascinating families. Over the years, it passed through the hands of the Willoughbys, who supported Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth, and later the Bretts, whose ties to Oliver Cromwell add a hint of 17th-century intrigue. Local legend even suggests the manor may have been built for one of Cromwell’s illegitimate sons.

By the 19th century, Hatherley Manor was home to Anthony Gilbert Jones, thrice Mayor of Gloucester. His son, Charles Allen Jones, who inspired the name of the Charles Allen suite, patented the Hatherley ‘Lattisteps’, a precursor to the modern stepladder. Renovations over the years, including a moat and elegant Georgian features, transformed the estate into the grand country house it is now.

Hatherley Manor isn’t just a hotel, it’s a living piece of Gloucestershire history.

From legendary families to inventive minds, the manor continues to welcome guests with warmth, charm, and a real sense of history.

says Will Wellon, General Manager.

With Gloucestershire’s timeless landscapes and heritage on its doorstep, Hatherley Manor remains both a sanctuary and a celebration of English history. Today guests can spot centuries-old features in the beams of the reception, the restaurant, The Beams room, and The Swallows suite, where every corner tells a story.